NYC’s 5 Best Boxing Gyms

January 8, 2014 6:00 AM

Boxing doesn’t have to be as scary and as, well, violent as professional MMA fighters make it look. It’s a workout that’s both empowering and way more exciting than the StairMaster. Throwing a few right hooks will really get your heart pumping and makes for the ultimate stress relief. Sign up for a class or try a private lesson at one of our five favorite boxing gyms. Don’t be nervous—both guys and gals of all ages and skill levels are welcome.

Church Street Boxing Gym

Church Street Boxing Gym made headlines in 2012 when a video – an expletive-filled rant starring trainer Eric Kelly – went viral. Kelly is a former Olympic alternate, who said he trains “Wall Street nerds” at the downtown gym. While the facility’s location mean that Wall Street folks do frequent the gym, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis have also trained at Church Street. All skill levels are welcome. While the focus is on boxing, Muay Thai and wrestling classes are offered, as well.

UFC Gym

Across the river in Hoboken, the trainers at UFC Gym (formerly L.A. Boxing) will welcome you at the door with a high five. The coaches at the waterfront facility refer to their members as a family and the gym certainly boasts a tight-knit vibe. This means members here work hard as to not let their trainers – or themselves – down. For first-time boxers and wannabe fighters, UFC is an ideal, non-intimidating place to get started. After a few classes here, you’ll feel invincible. The gym hosts self-defense classes for women, as well.

Kingsway Gym

For the ladies: If you’re not exactly comfortable working out next to the big boys, Kingsway Gym offers a women-only class on Saturday mornings. Along with two regulation-size boxing rings, Kingsway also offers treadmills and a complete weight training facility.

Mendez Boxing

While many boxing gyms require you to purchase your own wraps or gloves (or both) before a free trial session, first-timers at Mendez can try out the venue completely free – wraps and gloves provided. English, Spanish and French are spoken at the Midtown gym.

Fight Factory Gym

Located near Coney Island, Fight Factory offers classes for kids every day of the week. The spacious facilities Classes are available for the kids 7 days a week. Fight Factory is known for its highly trained staff, and we’re fans of the spacious facilities and grand supply of equipment.